A micro gear pump, also known as a miniature gear pump or microfluidic gear pump, is a type of positive displacement pump that is designed to handle small volumes of fluid with high precision. It is a miniaturized version of a traditional gear pump and is commonly used in applications that require accurate and controlled fluid delivery in the microliter or nanoliter range.
The micro gear pump consists of two or more meshing gears, typically made of materials such as stainless steel, titanium, or polymers. The gears are precision-engineered with extremely tight tolerances to ensure minimal clearance between them. The gears rotate within a housing, creating chambers between the gear teeth and the pump casing.
As the gears rotate, fluid is trapped within the gear teeth cavities and carried from the inlet to the outlet of the pump. The fluid is displaced by the meshing gears and delivered in a continuous, pulsation-free flow. The size and geometry of the gears determine the pump’s flow rate and pressure capabilities.
Micro gear pumps offer several advantages:
- Precise Fluid Control: Micro gear pumps provide high precision and accuracy in fluid delivery. Their design allows for precise control of flow rates, making them suitable for applications requiring small volumes and precise dosing.
- Compact and Lightweight: Micro gear pumps are compact and lightweight, making them ideal for integration into portable and handheld devices, as well as applications where space is limited.
- Self-Priming: Micro gear pumps are typically self-priming, meaning they can start pumping fluids without the need for external priming or additional equipment.
- Low Shear: Micro gear pumps generate low shear forces on the fluid, making them suitable for handling sensitive fluids or shear-sensitive materials, such as biological samples, pharmaceuticals, or delicate chemicals.
- Broad Fluid Compatibility: Micro gear pumps are compatible with a wide range of fluids, including liquids with different viscosities, corrosive fluids, and abrasive fluids. The material selection for the pump components can be tailored to suit specific fluid compatibility requirements.
Micro gear pumps find applications in various fields, including:
- Microfluidics and Lab-on-a-Chip Systems: Micro gear pumps are used in microfluidic devices for precise control of fluid flow in microscale analysis, chemical reactions, and biomedical research.
- Analytical Instruments: They are employed in analytical instruments, such as liquid chromatography systems, mass spectrometry, and spectroscopy equipment, for accurate sample and solvent delivery.
- Medical and Biotechnology: Micro gear pumps are utilized in medical devices and biotechnology applications, including drug delivery systems, microdosing, microreactors, and microarray printing.
- Industrial and Process Control: They find use in industrial processes that require precise fluid metering, such as additive manufacturing, inkjet printing, and chemical dosing.
Overall, micro gear pumps offer precise and reliable fluid delivery in miniature form factors, enabling a wide range of applications in various industries where accurate and controlled fluid handling is essential.
